Abolishing Numerus Apertus to Curb Doctor Shortage
Health Minister Yannick Neuder's Statement: Elimination of Doctor Positions Planned for June 17th
In a sweeping move to address France's doctor shortage, Health and Access to Care Minister, Yannick Neuder, announced on June 12, that he plans to scrap the numerus apertus on June 17. This bold decision follows the bill, initially carried by the then-deputy minister at the end of 2023, receiving a thumbs-up from the National Assembly in December 2023 and now tentatively heading for the Senate order.
The move to dump the numerus apertus is a bold response to the persistent problem of a doctor shortage, with the minister bluntly admitting in March that the system, though introduced to replace the numerus clausus, remains "too restrictive." The numerus apertus operates on a minimum number of students landing spots in the second year of medicine based on the accommodation capacities of training organizations.
The minister's ultimate goal? To bring back French students who have ventured overseas to countries like Romania, Spain, and Belgium to study medicine. By axing the numerus apertus, the government hopes to open up more opportunities for French students to pursue a career in medicine within their own borders.
But, what exactly is the numerus apertus and why is it causing such a fuss? The numerus apertus is a system used in France to manage the number of students admitted to medical schools, offering flexibility in numbers compared to the numerus clausus. By abolishing the numerus apertus, the government aims to boost the number of medical students, particularly in specialties like psychiatry, by providing the freedom to admit more students and potentially increasing the overall number of medical graduates.
While the impact of this decision could be profound, with an increased number of doctors set to enter the workforce, questions persist about the quality of medical education and the capacity of hospitals to accommodate more students. A necessary step may be to invest in additional resources and infrastructure to support the expanded medical education programs brought about by the abolition of the numerus apertus.
In the end, the success of this move will hinge on whether resources can be adequately allocated to support the increased demand on medical education and training facilities, ensuring both quality and quantity in the years to come.
[1] "France's Health Minister Wants To 'Abolish The Remaining Numerus' To 'Recover Our French Students'" - Le Figaro, June 13, 2025 (French language source)[3] "France's Health Minister Yannick Neuder Announces Numerus Apertus Abolition to Address Doctor Shortage" - The Guardian, June 13, 2025
- The proposed abolition of the numerus apertus in France's medical education system is not just about increasing the number of doctors, but also addressing chronic diseases and mental health issues, vital components of health and wellness, by providing more opportunities for students to study and specialize in these areas.
- In the context of France's policy and legislation, the move to scrap the numerus apertus could have implications not only for the politics of medical education, but also for general news related to medical-conditions, as an influx of doctors might improve diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.
- Fitness and exercise, a cornerstone of overall health and wellness, might benefit from this change as well, as more medical professionals could lead to increased awareness and promotion of regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.
- On the other hand, the decision to abolish the numerus apertus could face challenges in terms of infrastructure and resources, as hospitals and training organizations may need to accommodate more students, potentially leading to debates on the allocation of funds in the realm of policy and legislation.
- As the French government works towards curbing the doctor shortage and boosting the number of medical graduates, it is crucial to consider the broader implications on the quality of medical education, mental health services, fitness and exercise initiatives, and the overall health and wellness of the population, all of which are essential topics in the mainstream media and public discourse.
